Special Circumstances Resident Classifications and Nonresident Tuition Exemptions

Special Circumstances Resident Classifications are Resident Classifications (or Contingent or Limited Duration Resident Classification, as specified below) that are granted to Students who demonstrate satisfaction of all applicable requirements of any of the following Special Circumstances:

1. Student Member of the U.S. Armed Forces

Student stationed in California, except if assigned for educational purposes, is eligible for a Contingent Resident Classification; refer to "Military Provisions" in the UC Residence Policy.

2. Student Dependent of a Member of the U.S. Armed Forces

Student Dependent of a member stationed in California is eligible for a Contingent Resident Classification; refer to "Military Provisions" in the UC Residence Policy.

3. California Ward of the Court or Foster Youth

Student who resides in California as of the Resident Determination Date for the relevant term and who is or was a dependent or ward of the court through the California Child Welfare System is eligible for a Resident Classification. Relevant documentation is required.

4. Non-Resident Dependent of a California Resident (Condit Bill)

A Dependent Student who has a Parent who both satisfies the Residency Requirements and either claims the Student as a tax dependent or continually contributed court-ordered child support for the Student during the one year immediately before the Residence Determination Date shall be eligible for a limited-duration Resident Classification for one academic year. This provision applies to never married, divorced or legally separated parents as demonstrated by court documents. Students who have lived in California for more than one year after turning age 18 are not eligible for this provision. A Parent who relocated to California must have severed any and all ties to their former residence; refer to “Sec. III. C. 1./2”. The Student may thereafter be eligible for a Resident Classification if the Parent continues to satisfy the Residency Requirements and the Student has demonstrated timely fulfillment of the Residency Requirements. This provision requires that Students submit a new SLR at the end of their Condit academic year per campus policy. Students who fail to concurrently fulfill the requirements will be reclassified as Nonresident which is not eligible for appeal review.

5. Two-Year Care and Control

A Dependent Student who has been under the continuous direct-care and control of a Qualifying Individual other than a Parent for at least two years prior to reaching age 19 is eligible for a Resident Classification when both the Student and Qualifying Individual fulfill the applicable Residency Requirements for at least one year immediately before the RDD. Refer to “Sec. IV.B.8” Based on the age 19 requirement, the Student must have started residing with the Qualifying Individual prior to age 17

6. California Public School Teacher

A Dependent or Independent Student who is employed by a California school district in a full-time position requiring certification qualifications is eligible for a Resident Classification while enrolled in coursework to meet credential requirements.

7. Graduate of Bureau of Indian Affairs School

A Dependent or Independent Student who is a graduate of a California school operated by the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is eligible for a Resident Classification. Contact your campus financial aid office for assistance with the Native American Opportunity Plan, effective with the 2022 fall term.

8. Amateur Student Athlete

A Team USA student athlete who trains in the state in an elite level program approved by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee is eligible for a Contingent Resident Classification for one year, subject to continued eligibility for this provision as defined by Cal. Ed. Code § 68083, or the Student is eligible to receive a Resident Classification based on timely satisfaction of applicable Residency Requirements. Students should contact Team USA for a letter of eligibility.

9. Refugee, VAWA, T Visa, U Visa

A Dependent or Independent Student with valid USCIS Refugee, VAWA, “T” visa, or “U” visa immigration status is eligible for a limited duration Resident Classification for one year and may thereafter be eligible to receive a Resident Classification based on timely satisfaction of applicable Residency Requirements.

10. University / LLC Employees

A full-time employee of the University or a full-time employee of an LLC holding a contract to manage a University laboratory, as well as the dependent spouse, registered domestic partner, or Child of such an employee, assigned as a condition of employment to work outside the State of California shall be eligible for a Contingent Resident Classification (step-children are not eligible). The Contingent Resident Classification shall expire at the end of any academic term in which the employee no longer has a qualifying employment relationship. (University laboratory includes Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL); Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL); Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)). “Child” is defined as a Dependent Student and excludes step-child.

11. Dependent of Member of Academic Senate

 A Student who is the spouse, registered domestic partner, or unmarried dependent Child of a member of the University faculty who is a member of the Academic Senate shall be eligible for a Resident Classification. “Child” is defined as a Dependent Student and excludes stepchild.

12. Incarcerated Students

Students actively incarcerated in a state or federal prison located within California are considered under the care and control of the State. Therefore, incarcerated students enrolled at the UC who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents will qualify as a resident for tuition purposes and will not be required to complete the Statement of Legal Residence.

Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition Exempt Classification are Nonresident classifications provided to Students who have demonstrated that they are not subject to payment of NRST in accordance with Regents Policy 3105. Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition Exempt Classifications are granted to Students who demonstrate satisfaction of all applicable requirements of any of the following NRST exemptions:

1. AB 540 Nonresident NRST Exemption

A Dependent or Independent Student who qualifies under the provisions of Cal Ed Code § 68130.5 is eligible for an NRST Exempt Classification. This provision was amended effective January 1, 2023 (SB1141), for terms beginning after January 1, 2023. Students who were previously ineligible for AB 540 and who may be eligible effective January 1, 2023 are required to submit a new petition for reclassification to their campus. Refer to "AB 540 Requirements".

2. Former Member of the U.S. Armed Forces

The Student is eligible for an NRST Exempt Classification when using Chapter 30/33/31/35 benefits. Please refer to the "Military Provisions".

3. Federal HEOA and VACAA

Please refer to the “Military Provisions” for a summary of federal benefits pursuant to the U.S. Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA) and the U.S. Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA). HEOA 20 U.S.C. 1015d, Sec. 135 amended 12/27/2021 defines qualifying federal service as a member of the US Armed Forces or a member of the Foreign Service, adopted by Regents Policy 3105 effective July 1, 2023.